Transcript Highlights:

• She also graduated from Washington State University with a Master of Education and Literacy.
• She also graduated from Washington State University with a Master of Education and Literacy and earned
• , how privileged we are in Washington State.
• how privileged we are in Washington State.
• And other states, how privileged we are in Washington State to have the great staff that we have to assist

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, suspended rules to allow committee work and additional floor resolutions, and referred committee and gubernatorial appointment reports as designated. It then took up several gubernatorial appointments in third reading. Megan Matthews was confirmed as director of the Washington State Office of Equity by a 45-2 vote, and Robert A. Zupon, Denise E. Gideon, Andrea Buchanan, Michelle R. Smith, and Edison A. Valerio were each confirmed to various community and technical college boards of trustees by large bipartisan margins. The chamber then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. After rejecting the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopting a narrower floor striking amendment, senators debated the bill’s changes, including repeal of the luxury aircraft tax and replacement with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, along with technical corrections and safety-related transportation provisions. Supporters said the bill was a workable compromise that would sustain transportation funding and support future aviation investments; opponents argued it would raise costs on small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed final passage 33-15. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. Multiple senators spoke in praise of his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and district advocacy, as well as his institutional knowledge, mentorship, and personal integrity. Senator Conway then offered a personal statement thanking colleagues, staff, family, and constituents, and saying he would continue advocating for working people after leaving the Legislature. The Senate then recessed for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• by the state of Washington.
• by the state of Washington.
• Regarding this policy and what we have seen happen in Washington State, there is concern that the office
• Speaker, and the people of Washington State. We piloted it, we measured it, it's working.
• And the state of Washington needs to listen to the people on the front lines of the child welfare crisis—judges

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2134, HB2140, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2219, HB2245, HB2283, HB2343, HB2406, HB2501, HB2574, HB1544, HB1834, HB2156, HB2188, HB2206, HB2478, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1982, HB2006, HB2179, HB2203, HB2297, HB2322, HB2329, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2462, HB2464, HB2495, HB2544, HB2551, HB2636, HB2192, HB2251, HB2262, HB2266, HB2298, HB2320, HB2323, HB2351, HB2401, HB2405, HB2442, HB2523, HB2593, HB2632, HB2661, HB1496, HB1898, HB2095, HB2157, HB2225, HB2274, HB2311, HB2325, HB2333, HB2476, HB2508, HB2552, HB1343, HB1634, HB1707, HB1906, HB1909, HB2196, HB2244, HB2339, HB2361, HB2384, HB2389, HB2410, HB2468, HB2475, HB2521, HB2548, HB2619, HB2637, HB2720

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House first took up House Bill 2156, which would expand the Attorney General’s investigative authority, especially for organized retail crime and related economic and financial crimes. Members debated a series of amendments on training standards, background checks, warrant service, scope limits, and definitions. Some amendments were adopted, including provisions clarifying electronic service of search warrants, background-check expectations, decertification standards, and a definition of economic and financial crimes; others were rejected or ruled out of scope. The bill was then amended, advanced, and passed 54-43. The House then considered several other measures. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2219 on child care operational efficiency passed overwhelmingly after amendments addressing opioid-related safety standards in licensed child care settings. House Bill 2124, adjusting the lump-sum retirement allowance threshold, passed unanimously. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2266, dealing with permanent supportive housing, traditional housing, and indoor emergency shelters, was amended to add local notice, transparency, community meeting, and siting protections, then passed 56-40. The chamber also passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1784, which updates certified medical assistant supervision rules for diagnostic radiologic procedures, by 96-0. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2523, codifying the Community Reinvestment Program, passed 88-9 after amendments adding accountability and local-government provisions. House Bill 2113, clarifying supervision authority for diagnostic radiologic procedures in rural hospitals, passed 97-0. House Bill 2632, modernizing statutory terminology by replacing “alien” with “non-citizen,” passed 58-39. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2476, expanding theater seating rules for venues serving alcohol, passed 81-50. The House then began House Bill 2320 on regulating firearms manufacturing involving 3D printing and CNC milling; several narrowing amendments were rejected, a striking amendment was adopted, and debate continued with supporters citing ghost-gun risks and opponents raising constitutional concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to take care of our children in America, in the state of Washington.
• State.
• In Pasco alone, it's the fastest growing city in Washington State.
• We have no money in the state budget to fund any transportation project, new ones in Washington.
• No working person in Washington State likes to get a haircut in their budget because the price of gas

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2134, HB2140, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2219, HB2245, HB2283, HB2343, HB2406, HB2501, HB2574, HB1544, HB1834, HB2156, HB2188, HB2206, HB2478, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1982, HB2006, HB2179, HB2203, HB2297, HB2322, HB2329, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2462, HB2464, HB2495, HB2544, HB2551, HB2636, HB2192, HB2251, HB2262, HB2266, HB2298, HB2320, HB2323, HB2351, HB2401, HB2405, HB2442, HB2523, HB2593, HB2632, HB2661, HB1496, HB1898, HB2095, HB2157, HB2225, HB2274, HB2311, HB2325, HB2333, HB2476, HB2508, HB2552, HB1343, HB1634, HB1707, HB1906, HB1909, HB2196, HB2244, HB2339, HB2361, HB2384, HB2389, HB2410, HB2468, HB2475, HB2521, HB2548, HB2619, HB2637, HB2720

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House received a Senate message announcing passage of engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5156, then moved to second reading and final passage on several House bills. Substitute House Bill 2244, which adopts recommendations from the Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee/Sunshine Committee to clean up public records exemption statutes, was advanced and passed 70-26 after Representative Mena urged support and Representative Walsh expressed mixed concerns about exemptions from the Public Records Act and voted no. The House then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2196, a bill expanding coverage for treatment related to PANS/PANDAS. Members described the bill as helping families access expensive care such as IVIG, while opponents raised concerns about premium costs and the scope of coverage. Amendment 1883 narrowed the bill to large-group coverage and was adopted 54-36; Amendment 1943, which would have included PEBB and SEBB state insurance plans, failed. The bill then passed 83-13. The House also passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251, which reorganizes Climate Commitment Act account uses and related allocations, after rejecting a proposal to direct more money to transportation and forest landowner compensation; the bill passed 56-41. Additional measures passed with broad support. Substitute House Bill 2339, a technical update to nursing regulation and Board of Nursing rulemaking authority, passed 94-3. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2274, modifying the Washington Commercial Electronic Mail Act to address misleading email solicitations while limiting penalties for good-faith actors, passed 86-11 after a striker amendment was adopted. Engrossed House Bill 2179, narrowed by amendment to a single port district, passed 96-1 to address retirement contribution issues for port workers. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2637, updating protections for personal information entrusted to agencies, passed 52-45 after an amendment clarifying disclosure language was adopted; supporters said it improves data protection, while opponents warned of added bureaucracy and reduced local control.

Transcript Highlights:

• the troops, and George Washington, the first president of the United States of America, courageously
• And whereas George Washington and Abraham, which ended slavery in the United States.
• And as a government, we provide essential services for all residents in the state of Washington.
• The state of Washington.
• It's important that all residents in the state of Washington have access to that.

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2134, HB2140, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2219, HB2245, HB2283, HB2343, HB2406, HB2501, HB2574, HB1544, HB1834, HB2156, HB2188, HB2206, HB2478, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1982, HB2006, HB2179, HB2203, HB2297, HB2322, HB2329, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2462, HB2464, HB2495, HB2544, HB2551, HB2636, HB2192, HB2251, HB2262, HB2266, HB2298, HB2320, HB2323, HB2351, HB2401, HB2405, HB2442, HB2523, HB2593, HB2632, HB2661, HB1496, HB1898, HB2095, HB2157, HB2225, HB2274, HB2311, HB2325, HB2333, HB2476, HB2508, HB2552, HB1343, HB1634, HB1707, HB1906, HB1909, HB2196, HB2244, HB2339, HB2361, HB2384, HB2389, HB2410, HB2468, HB2475, HB2521, HB2548, HB2619, HB2637, HB2720

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, offered the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, approved the prior day’s minutes, and adopted House Resolution 4691 recognizing Presidents’ Day. Supporters of the resolution praised presidential leadership and civic ideals, while one member used the occasion to note the historical harms and contradictions of figures such as Washington, Lincoln, and FDR. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the House also recognized visiting former legislators and Black leaders in the chamber. The chamber then took up several bills, often suspending the rules to move measures directly to third reading. Second Substitute House Bill 1923, creating a local option for passenger-only ferry districts, passed 84-11 after debate over ferry reliability, local control, and possible tax “stacking.” Substitute House Bill 2475, requiring language-accessible public programs and services, passed 62-33 amid support for access and safety and opposition over unfunded mandates, overregulation, and concerns about technology and assimilation. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2508, clarifying the Office of Independent Investigations’ authority, passed 90-6 after a technical amendment; supporters said it would improve police accountability processes, while some noted remaining concerns about investigations. House Bill 2464, requiring reporting and law-enforcement response data for incidents at private detention facilities, passed 58-38, with supporters emphasizing transparency and critics calling it political and questioning the agency chosen to collect the data. Substitute House Bill 2203, creating reckless interference with emergency barricades, passed 94-2 after testimony about flood rescues and the need for stronger deterrence. Second Substitute House Bill 2384, increasing oversight of continuing care retirement communities, passed 78-14; supporters cited senior protections and solvency, while opponents worried about duplicative costs. Second Substitute House Bill 2333, allowing certain campaign funds to be used for security and related protections for elected officials and candidates, passed 71-21 after debate over political violence and concerns about self-dealing. Second Substitute House Bill 1909, creating a Court Unification Task Force, passed 56-36, with supporters citing inconsistent court administration and opponents defending local control. The House also passed Second Substitute House Bill 1906 on water system rate transparency and consumer protection, 91-1; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548 on health care market standards and mergers, 53-38; Substitute House Bill 2405 establishing a PTSD pilot program with early treatment and return-to-work provisions, 90-1; and Substitute House Bill 2323 creating a Blue Envelope Program for autistic and neurodiverse drivers during traffic stops, 92-1. Throughout the day, members frequently split along lines of transparency, consumer protection, public safety, local control, and concerns about mandates or regulatory burden.

Transcript Highlights:

• by the state of Washington.
• Regarding this policy and what we have seen happen in Washington State, there is concern that the office
• of Washington, Mr.
• Speaker, and the people of Washington State. We piloted it, we measured it, it's working.
• And the state of Washington needs to listen to the people on the front lines of the child welfare crisis

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2134, HB2140, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2219, HB2245, HB2283, HB2343, HB2406, HB2501, HB2574, HB1544, HB1834, HB2156, HB2188, HB2206, HB2478, HJM4012, HB1104, HB1152, HB1254, HB1443, HB1982, HB2006, HB2179, HB2203, HB2297, HB2322, HB2329, HB2379, HB2388, HB2399, HB2462, HB2464, HB2495, HB2544, HB2551, HB2636, HB2192, HB2251, HB2262, HB2266, HB2298, HB2320, HB2323, HB2351, HB2401, HB2405, HB2442, HB2523, HB2593, HB2632, HB2661, HB1496, HB1898, HB2095, HB2157, HB2225, HB2274, HB2311, HB2325, HB2333, HB2476, HB2508, HB2552, HB1343, HB1634, HB1707, HB1906, HB1909, HB2196, HB2244, HB2339, HB2361, HB2384, HB2389, HB2410, HB2468, HB2475, HB2521, HB2548, HB2619, HB2637, HB2720

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House first considered House Bill 2156, which would authorize investigators in the Attorney General’s Office to serve electronic search warrants in limited economic and financial crime investigations, especially organized retail crime. Members debated a series of amendments on training standards, scope, background checks, warrant service, and definitions of covered crimes. Some amendments were adopted, including changes clarifying training and decertification standards, narrowing the scope of economic and financial crimes, and refining warrant-service language; others were rejected or ruled out of scope. The amended striking amendment passed 52-39, and the bill then passed final reading 54-43. The House then moved through several other measures. House Bill 2219, dealing with child care operational efficiency and licensing, was amended to strengthen safety language around opioids in licensed child care settings and passed 95-1. House Bill 2124, which raises the threshold for lump-sum retirement allowance payments, passed 96-0. House Bill 2266, concerning permanent supportive housing, traditional housing, and indoor emergency housing, was amended to add local-government notice, transparency, community-meeting, and siting provisions, then passed 56-40. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1784, on certified medical assistants and telemedicine-related practice, received a cleanup amendment and passed 96-0. The House also passed House Bill 2523, which codifies the Community Reinvestment Program, after rejecting an amendment that would have redirected some funds to economic development; the bill passed 88-9. House Bill 2113, allowing certain medical supervision of diagnostic radiologic procedures in emergency settings, passed 97-0. House Bill 2632, updating state law terminology from “alien” to “non-citizen,” passed 58-39 after debate over precision versus respectful language. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2476, expanding seating limits for theaters serving alcohol, passed 81-50. Finally, House Bill 2320, addressing firearms manufacturing involving 3D printers and CNC machines, was heavily amended to narrow and clarify language around code and additive manufacturing before the striker passed. The bill’s supporters framed it as a response to ghost-gun risks and recent incidents involving 3D-printed firearms, while opponents raised constitutional concerns about speech and gun rights. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 2320 is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• of New Mexico, $55 million for a new multidisciplinary academic building at New Mexico State University
• Donnelly Library at New Mexico Highlands University.
• It's not a pure TID because it's all state land.
• And the state fairgrounds are an asset of the state.
• And the state fairgrounds are an asset of the state.

Bills: HB248, HB309, HB332, SB48

Keywords: general obligation bonds, GO bonds, capital projects, bond election, property tax levy, state debt, state finance, capital outlay, senior centers, senior citizen facilities, aging services, long-term services, libraries, library acquisitions, broadband for libraries, higher education, university capital projects, community colleges, tribal schools, special schools

Transcript Highlights:

• no other state has, and we have figured out a model that works.
• We represent small and mid-sized manufacturers across our state.
• New Mexico is truly the only state with a mechanism like Trigger.
• I'd also like to state that the department is in support of the committee substitute.
• If, you know, we have 45 doctors downtown Albuquerque. the state.

Bills: HB248, HB309, HB332, SB48

Keywords: general obligation bonds, GO bonds, capital projects, bond election, property tax levy, state debt, state finance, capital outlay, senior centers, senior citizen facilities, aging services, long-term services, libraries, library acquisitions, broadband for libraries, higher education, university capital projects, community colleges, tribal schools, special schools

Transcript Highlights:

• millions of people here in Washington State and providing thousands of local jobs.
• I'm a student at Washington State University. I'm here to testify in support of House Bill 2132.
• Pasco is one of the largest growing regions in the state of Washington.
• The voters of Washington state, so I'd recommend a no vote at this time.
• These are things that the tech industry gives to us here in Washington State.

Bills: HB2073, HB2403, HB2587, HB2607, HB1170, HB1570, HB1710, HB1750, HB1834, HB2441

Keywords: health insurance, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, failure to register, criminal justice, registration requirements, public safety, law enforcement, nonprofit, grant funding, pilot program, financial support, community development, child care, childcare, subsidy rates, rate regions, market rate survey

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2073, which would require nonprofit health carriers with surplus above 600% of risk-based capital to pay 3% of the excess to support the Cascade Care Savings premium assistance account. Committee staff said the bill could generate about $80 million in FY 2027, while OIC costs would cover rulemaking and hearings. Supporters argued the bill would redirect excess consumer premium dollars to help people afford coverage, while opponents from nonprofit health plans and business groups said the reserves are needed for claims, market stability, and to weather downturns, and warned the bill could raise costs or destabilize coverage. The bill then moved to public hearing only, with no action taken. The committee also heard Second Substitute House Bill 2132, which limits disclosure and retention of personally identifying and financial information in WASFA applications. Staff explained the bill would exempt WASFA records from public disclosure, restrict sharing except for limited purposes, and shorten retention to one year after the award year, but could create significant purge and systems costs for WSAC and colleges. The sponsor and student advocates said the measure is needed to protect student privacy and encourage aid applications, especially for vulnerable and undocumented students. No opposition was heard, and the bill remained in hearing. House Bill 2403, which reduces the penalty for failure to register as a sex offender, adds community custody and DOC support, and requires a review of registration policies, drew testimony in strong support. Staff said the bill would produce DOC savings and modest one-time costs for court and law-enforcement updates. Testifiers said the measure had broad consensus among criminal justice stakeholders and would better address the practical reasons people fail to register. The committee also heard House Bill 2587, creating a Commerce pilot to provide advance grant funds to eligible nonprofits, and House Bill 2607, which would periodically rebase child care subsidy rate regions; both drew support from nonprofit and child care providers, with staff describing indeterminate or moderate fiscal impacts. In executive session, the committee considered several amendments and then advanced multiple bills. For Second Substitute House Bill 1170 on generative AI disclosures, all proposed amendments were rejected, and the bill passed the committee 18-9. Substitute House Bill 1570, limited by amendment to Western Washington University student employees, also passed. Proposed Third Substitute House Bill 1710, which creates a state preclearance process under the Voting Rights Act for certain jurisdictions with prior voting-rights violations, had one fiscal amendment adopted and then passed. The committee also received amendment briefings on House Bills 1750, 1833, and 1834, but the transcript ends before final action on those measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• I currently serve as a clinician in the state-funded University of Washington clinical trial studying
• Rebecca Allen, a practicing physician in Washington State.
• I'm here representing the Washington State Psychiatric Association.
• And Washington State Medical Association, the Washington Medical Commission, for coming together in this
• And Washington State Medical Association, the Washington Medical Commission for coming together in this

Bills: SB5921, SB5185, SB6182, SB6115, SB6258, SB5916, SB5981, SB5985, SB6019, SB6161, SB6183

Keywords: psilocybin, mental health, therapy, decriminalization, legalization, international medical graduates, preceptorship, hardship pathways, medical practice, licensure, abortion, reproductive health, pregnancy termination, clinic access, abortion access fund, abortion savings account, health carrier assessment, insurance assessment, health insurer tax, Department of Health

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held public hearings on several bills, with most of the discussion centered on Senate Bill 5921, which would create a Department of Health medical psilocybin program for adults with qualifying conditions. The staff briefing described licensing for producers and participating clinicians, training and safety standards, data collection, and a 2028 effective date. Senator Jesse Solomon said the bill uses a medical-control model and is intended to provide supervised access for conditions such as treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. Testimony was sharply divided: supporters included clinicians, veterans, first responders, and patients who described personal benefit and argued the bill would create a safe, regulated pathway; opponents and some medical groups raised concerns about missing safeguards, contraindications, monitoring, cost, and the bill’s exclusion of broader decriminalization or community-use protections. The hearing closed with 25 people signed in pro, 140 con, and 7 other. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5185, a pilot program to create a pathway for international medical graduates with clinical experience licenses to obtain full unrestricted primary care licensure. Senator Rebecca Saldana and supporters from the Washington State Medical Association, the Washington Medical Commission, and the International Medical Graduate Academy said the bill builds on an existing pathway, improves access to care, and maintains patient safety standards. No opposition testimony was presented, and the hearing closed with 9 pro and 118 con sign-ins. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills with amendments or substitutes: SB 5916 on non-opioid pain drugs, SB 5981 on 340B drug pricing transparency, SB 5985 on endometriosis resources, SB 6019 on home care rate statutes, SB 6161 on Department of Health dementia information, and SB 6183 on HIV antiviral drug coverage. The committee adopted proposed substitutes or amendments and sent the bills onward, with some referred to Rules and others to Ways and Means. The committee later reopened and completed the hearing on Senate Bill 6115, which would fund a comprehensive cancer education program for students in grades 6 through 12. Supporters, including Cancer Pathways staff, educators, and families affected by cancer, said early education could reduce risk behaviors like vaping and improve prevention; the hearing closed with 33 pro and 665 con sign-ins, and the remaining two agenda bills were postponed to a later hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with SEIU6, who represent more than 10,000 workers across the state of Washington, including 5,000
• Just as a follow-up on that, there are multiple different types of security guard in Washington State
• Just as a follow-up on that, there are multiple different types of security guard in Washington State
• Madam Chair, we'll be hearing from Jason Hewitt from the Washington State Association of U.A.
• Is that the case across the state of Washington or just what I'm seeing in eastern Washington where most

Bills: HB2513, HB2524, HB2611

Keywords: plumbing contractor, plumber, license suspension, credential suspension, administrative penalty, infractions, repeat violator, consumer protection, residential plumbing, construction licensing, Washington Department of Labor and Industries, advisory board of plumbers, plumbing certificate fund, code enforcement, professional licensing, trade regulation, security, regulation, employment standards, security guards

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee held public hearings on three bills. House Bill 2524 would create a State Security Guards Industry Standards Board within L&I to set minimum standards for security guard compensation, leave, benefits, and training, funded in part by a $25 transfer from existing licensing fees. Supporters, including the sponsor, SEIU Local 6, and individual security guards, said the industry has high turnover, low wages, minimal training, and unsafe working conditions. Opponents from business and retail groups argued the bill is duplicative of existing licensing and training rules, would raise costs, and gives too much power to an unelected board. L&I said it was not taking a policy position but requested more time for implementation and a technical change to the fee deposit process. House Bill 2513 would change plumbing license suspension rules by keeping the current three-infractions-in-three-years standard for residential work, while creating a five-infractions-in-five-years standard for nonresidential work. The sponsor and supporters from mechanical contractors and union plumbers said repeat violators treat fines as a cost of doing business and that stronger enforcement is needed to protect public health, safety, and law-abiding contractors. Several plumbing contractor groups opposed the bill as written, focusing on an undefined subsection they said could create an open-ended administrative process and uncertainty; they asked that subsection be removed. L&I requested an effective date of January 1, 2027 to allow time for rulemaking. House Bill 2611 would reduce the standard workweek from 40 hours to 32 hours and lower the paid sick leave accrual threshold accordingly, effective January 1, 2028. The sponsor and labor supporters argued that shorter workweeks improve productivity, retention, morale, and work-life balance, citing examples from San Juan County and other workplaces. Business, hospitality, grocery, agriculture, and contractor representatives opposed the bill, saying it would raise labor costs, force schedule cuts or price increases, and be especially harmful in agriculture and other industries with tight margins and fixed operational demands. The committee heard extensive questions about how the proposal would affect hourly and salaried workers, overtime, staffing shortages, and whether employers could instead use remote work or existing bargaining processes; no votes were taken on any of the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• and be grateful for our hardworking state employees.
• have made to serve the people of Washington.
• of Washington.
• Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Washington, the House of Representatives concurring that
• Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Washington, the Senate concurring.

Bills: SCR8410, SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• State and Eastern Washington. ...deep, deep passion and a deep commitment for rural Washington State
• Since 2018, he has been a professor at the University of Washington.
• in 2008 from Washington State University.
• Additionally, Huey serves as a pharmacy preceptor for the University of Washington and Washington State
• Additionally, Huey serves as a pharmacy preceptor for the University of Washington and Washington State

Bills: SCR8410, SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• State, and for the influence of their principled leadership in our nation and in our world.
• home, Safety and thriving of all people who call Washington home.
• The Journal of the Senate, State of Washington, 69th Legislature, Day 59, Wednesday, March 11.
• The Journal of the Senate, State of Washington, 69th Legislature, Day 59, Wednesday, March 11th.
• Third order of business: messages from the Governor and state officers.

Bills: SCR8410, SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington State.
• President, that childhood hunger rates plummeted in Washington State when kids had access to universal
• And Mr.... ...in Washington State when kids had access to universal meals.
• The deduction for Washington State nonprofits was criticized.
• For Washington State nonprofits was criticized.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Summary: The Senate considered engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6346, a major tax package creating a new income tax on high earners, providing tax reductions and credits, and funding various spending priorities. A point of order was raised that House amendments exceeded the bill’s scope under Senate Rule 66, focusing on new provisions affecting sales and use taxes and business and occupation taxes. The President ruled the amendments were within scope, finding they were tax reductions similar to those already in the Senate-passed bill, and the Senate then took up the motion to concur in the House amendments. Members debated the House changes at length. Supporters said the amendments improved the bill by expanding the Working Families Tax Credit, adding exemptions for diapers and over-the-counter medicines, bringing forward some tax relief, preserving business loss carryforwards, and adding funding or intent language for items such as Fair Start for Kids, K-12 investments, local government replacement funding, and universal school meals. Opponents argued the bill remained unconstitutional or unfair, criticized the income tax structure and inflation indexing changes, objected to the gambling-loss deduction and limits on charitable deductions, and said the bill’s promises on public defense, education, and other priorities were not secured in the body of the measure. On a roll call vote, the Senate concurred in the House amendments by a vote of 27-21, with one excused. The Senate then passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6346 as amended by the House by the same 27-21 vote, and the President signed the bill in open session. The chamber also received several messages from the House announcing signed bills, and then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Saldaña was appointed to the Washington State Senate in 2016, won a special election in 2017, and was
• Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Washington State Senate commend and honor Rebecca Saldaña for
• her extraordinary service to the people of the 37th legislative district and the state of Washington
• Business, Cattle Producers of Washington, and the Washington State Potato Commission, as well as Friend
• where in the state this was, and most of it was in rural Washington areas.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Summary: The Senate took up several bills on final passage, beginning with Substitute House Bill 2689 on the Working Connections Child Care program. The chamber adopted a Ways and Means striking amendment, then passed the bill 33-16. Supporters said it would change provider payment to attendance-based reimbursement, require subsidy rates to reach at least the 75th percentile of market rates, update use of market rate surveys, and remove previously scheduled income-eligibility expansions. Opponents argued it would not treat all child care providers equally and could create unfair workarounds. The bill was immediately transmitted to the House. The Senate then passed Engrossed House Bill 2487, which clarifies how insurance companies and their affiliates are taxed, and Substitute House Bill 2089, which narrows a tax preference for certain financial institutions and dedicates the revenue to the Wildfire Mitigation Fund. HB 2487 drew criticism for applying the tax retroactively to 2019 despite prior court rulings, while HB 2089 was opposed on affordability grounds because it affects mortgage-related taxation. The chamber also passed Engrossed House Bill 2681, raising annual license fees for cannabis producers, processors, and retailers; opponents said the increase reflected broader budget pressures. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to Senate Resolution 8704 honoring Senator Rebecca Saldaña. Numerous senators from both parties praised her work on labor, environmental justice, child welfare, immigrant and worker rights, and her habit of centering marginalized communities and checking on colleagues personally. Saldaña responded with remarks about organizing, democracy, and the importance of collective action, saying she was grateful for the chamber and looking forward to the next chapter. The Senate adopted the resolution unanimously, and members agreed to add all senators’ names as co-sponsors. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8702 honoring Senator Judy Warnick, with speakers from both parties highlighting her long service, agricultural background, calm leadership, bipartisan approach, and work on rural economic development, children and families, and capital projects. Warnick thanked colleagues and said she looked forward to spending more time with her family, farm, and horses. The meeting also included routine motions to move between orders of business and a message from the House concurring in Senate amendments to several bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lord, thank you so much for the men and women of the Washington State Senate.
• She is currently the director of the Washington State Office of Equity.
• She also graduated from Washington State University with a master's of education.
• She also graduated from Washington State University with a Master of Education and Literacy and earned
• , how privileged we are in Washington State. ...and other states how privileged we are in Washington

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Summary: The Senate convened on March 9, 2025, approved the previous day’s journal, suspended Rule 46 to allow committees to meet during floor sessions, and referred committee and gubernatorial reports as designated. It also received several new bills and appointments, including Senate Bill 6359, and later suspended Rule 20 to allow additional floor resolutions. The chamber then moved through a series of gubernatorial confirmations, with broad support for Megan Matthews as Director of the Washington State Office of Equity and for several college board trustees, including Robert A. Zupon (Renton Technical College), Denise E. Gideon (Clark College), Adria Buchanan (Clover Park Technical College), Michelle R. Smith (Columbia Basin College), and Edison A. Valerio (Columbia Basin College). Each confirmation passed by majority roll call vote, with some members excused. The Senate then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. Members rejected the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopted a narrower striking amendment that, among other changes, repealed the luxury aircraft tax and replaced it with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, while also making technical corrections and creating a sustainable aircraft fuel account. Supporters said the bill reflected a bipartisan agreement, improved transportation funding, and supported aviation sustainability; opponents argued it would disproportionately burden small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed the Senate on a 33-15 vote. The final major action was adoption of Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. The resolution highlighted his long career in the House and Senate, his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and local projects, and his reputation for institutional knowledge and mentorship. Numerous senators from both parties offered personal remarks praising his integrity, advocacy for working families, and support for colleagues. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and Senator Conway, joined by family and friends in the gallery, offered brief remarks thanking the Senate, his staff, family, and constituents before the chamber recessed for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• state of Washington.
• , what that tells me is that they stayed in Washington State.
• At the University of Washington, we've already seen the impact of state budget cuts, which have resulted
• We need more jobs in Washington State, not less.
• I'm a student at the University of Washington, a volunteer with the Washington Bus, and a resident of

Bills: HB2334, HB2140, HB2326, HB2100

Keywords: cash transactions, pennies, currency adjustment, economic impact, consumer protection, tax exemption, governmental transfer, agriculture, land use, property tax, emergency medical services, levies, healthcare funding, local government, taxation, excise tax, large companies, payroll expenses, minimum wage, Well Washington fund

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2140, which would exempt land sold or transferred to a governmental entity from the additional tax owed when land is removed from an open space current-use classification in certain circumstances. Staff explained the bill’s current-use tax rules and noted the fiscal impact is expected to be minimal but indeterminate. Representative Lowe said the bill is meant to fix a narrow problem where a county takes a small frontage strip for public purposes and the owner is still charged back taxes; FutureWise testified in support of the intent but asked for language tweaks to ensure the transferred land does not later become incompatible with agricultural or open-space use. The hearing on HB 2140 was then closed. The committee then heard House Bill 2326, which would allow a fire protection district to impose an EMS levy on the portion of its district not already covered by another taxing district’s EMS levy, with voters in the affected area approving it. Fire district and fire chief representatives testified in support, describing situations where a small overlap prevents most residents in a district from voting on or funding EMS service. Opponents argued the bill would add to property tax burdens. Testimony concluded and the hearing was closed. Next, House Bill 2334 was heard, responding to the federal decision to stop minting new pennies by setting rules for rounding cash transactions to the nearest five cents. Staff said rounding would apply only to cash payments and would occur after taxes and fees are included; the fiscal note was described as indeterminate but minimal at the state level, with some implementation costs. Retail and grocery groups generally supported the bill but requested clarifying amendments and protections related to tax obligations, consumer lawsuits, SNAP equal-treatment rules, and local ordinances; other testimony supported the measure as a practical response to the penny’s disappearance. The hearing was then closed. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2100, a proposed payroll expense tax on large operating companies to fund the new Well Washington Fund for higher education, health care, cash assistance, energy, and housing, with an oversight board and a credit for eligible city payroll taxes. Staff described a substitute narrowing the bill to employers with 250 or more employees and at least $7 million in payroll, with several public-sector and health-related exemptions; the fiscal note projected substantial revenue. Supporters, including labor, poverty, housing, health, and faith advocates, said the bill would help offset federal cuts and protect vulnerable residents. Business, retail, hospitality, construction, and chamber representatives opposed it, warning about job losses, higher costs, and harm to competitiveness. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended as a near-term response to federal funding cuts, and testimony continued with many additional witnesses before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• As the only state in the nation offering universal child care, we're setting an example for workforce
• in universal child care.
• Any university research enterprise, frankly, is a partnership between the feds and the state, and to
• , and by state funding... ...leveraging our two national laboratories, our research universities, and
• So we are in dire need of school nurses in the state. Okay. And Mr. Chairman, Nurses in the state.

Bills: SB204, SB241, HB34

Keywords: higher education, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, appropriation, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department

Transcript Highlights:

• So he was in a very severely depressed state.
• or state options?
• It has been well executed across major institutions, learning institutions, states in all of our states
• They must comply with all state standards. They must comply with all state statutes and rules.
• or contracted out, was this contracted-out entity or is it within the state utilizing the state?

Bills: HB2, SB204, SB241, HB34

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, higher education, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, appropriation, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 253, as substituted, which would create a framework for full-time virtual/distance learning programs in New Mexico. Sponsors and agency witnesses said the bill is intended to preserve virtual options while adding approval, reporting, and compliance requirements, including definitions for distance learning programs, annual reporting, renewal every three to five years, and a pause on new programs while existing ones are grandfathered for a period. They also said the bill addresses budget concerns by limiting enrollment growth units and excluding distance-learning students from certain funding calculations, including rural population units, to prevent unexpected losses in the state equalization guarantee. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters included district superintendents and education officials who said the bill is needed to protect school funding, improve accountability, and gather basic data that the state currently lacks. Opponents included parents, students, teachers, charter-school representatives, and business and advocacy voices who argued virtual education has been lifesaving for medically fragile, bullied, rural, neurodivergent, and working students, and that the bill’s caps, geographic limits, and approval authority would reduce school choice and could eliminate some programs. Several witnesses stressed that virtual charter schools such as Pecos Cyber Academy and New Mexico Connections would not be affected, while others said the bill still reaches too broadly. Committee members raised extensive questions about the 10% enrollment cap, the adjacent-district requirement, the denial-and-appeal process, the treatment of charter schools versus district programs, and the effect on rural or small districts. Witnesses explained that the bill is meant to be temporary, with an interim study in 2026 to develop longer-term policy, but some members said they remained concerned about overreach and unintended consequences. No final vote or action on the bill was shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• State is one of the states that has the longest sentences in the United States.
• And I believe 4% of Washington State is Black, but 18% of the prison population is Black.
• And I believe 4% of Washington State is Black, but 18% of the prison population is Black.
• We think that that should not be something that is sold over-the-counter in Washington State.
• Timmons. ...something that is sold over-the-counter in Washington State. And I very much thank Rep.

Bills: HB1239, HB2310, HB2490, HB2508, HB2510, HB2532, HB2539

Keywords: reentry, reentry readiness, recidivism, earned release time, good time credits, graduated reentry, community custody, partial confinement, home detention, work release, electronic monitoring, substance use disorder treatment, mental health treatment, corrections, Department of Corrections, DOC, prison reform, sentencing, release date recalculation, transition services

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met in executive session on February 2, 2026, to consider several bills. Staff summarized House Bills 1239, 2310, 2490, 2508, 2510, 2532, and 2539, along with proposed substitutes and amendments. HB 1239 would expand earned release time and add a DOC pilot program for incarcerated survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence; HB 2310 would elevate certain fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation cases to a felony for repeat offenders; HB 2490 would revise extraordinary medical placement criteria; HB 2508 would expand Office of Independent Investigations reporting and access rules; HB 2510 would require DOC supervision for people convicted of stalking; HB 2532 would make nitrous oxide distribution a gross misdemeanor with exemptions; and HB 2539 would raise the inmate indigency threshold and, in the substitute, retain only that increase. The committee took action on amendments to HB 1239, rejecting amendments that would have extended supervision for earned early release, reduced the maximum earned release percentage for serious violent and Class A sex offenses, and barred earned release time from being used if parole is later established. It adopted amendments excluding sexual motivation enhancements from earned release calculations and adding a second pilot program at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton. The committee then reported out Substitute HB 1239 on a 5-4 vote, with members split over public safety, victim impact, and sentence length concerns. HB 2310, HB 2508, HB 2510, HB 2532, and HB 2539 were all reported out with do pass recommendations, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. HB 2508 was amended to narrow and clarify reporting requirements for non-deadly force incidents and in-custody deaths. HB 2532 was amended to add a veterinary care exemption for nitrous oxide. HB 2539’s substitute, which removed the telephone-services provision and kept only the indigency-threshold increase from $25 to $100, passed 6-3. The committee deferred action on HB 2490 and announced it would return to the remaining bills the next day.